Honoring Afro-Latin@s in celebration of Black History Month

This week marks the beginning of Black History Month. During this month, we recognize the economic, historical, and social contributions made by the African American community. What started as “Negro History Week” in 1926, Black History Month has become recognized and widely celebrated on both a scholarly and commercial level since its official inception in 1976.

Here at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, we want to take this opportunity to honor the struggles and triumphs of the millions of African Americans who have changed our world, and who perhaps paved the way for other activists to continue the fight for human rights.

As Latin@s, it is important to recognize and celebrate our own African heritage, and those among our community who are Afro-Latin@. Whether you identify yourself as Afro-Latin@ or Afro-Caribbean, we honor you for enriching our culture with intelligence, strength, and beauty. Here’s to mestizaje, bridge-building and a diverse and vibrant community!

For those of you in NYC, here is a list of events celebrating this month.